Becoming an Outdoors Woman Spring Workshop Registration- Corrected link

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minnesota department of natural resources

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Upcoming Classes

March 2026


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Spring Workshop at Eagle Bluff ELC

Registration is open for the Spring Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop April 17-19, 2026.

REGISTER ON LINE at:

https://eaglebluffmn.org/events/becoming-an-outdoors-woman-spring-2026/

Here are some of the fun classes you could take:

ARCHERY (M) Learn about archery equipment and how to shoot a bow. Then try your hand on the archery range. We will be using Matthews Genesis compound bows, which have an easy draw weight.

SHITAKE MUSHROOMS (E-M) Learn how to grow shitake mushrooms and how to start your own culture using inoculation logs. Visit Eagle Bluffs Mushroom logs for inspiration. This class was a hit the last time offered!

MOUSE TAXIDERMY (E) - Preparing, stuffing and mounting skins of animals is an ancient art form. In this introduction to the craft you will learn basic techniques. After a brief introduction, you will prepare a mouse rug or stuffed mouse in an action setting you choose. All equipment and materials are provided, and you get to keep your mouse! Don’t be squeamish; most participants find the process far less gruesome than they thought!

INTRO TO FLY FISHING - Part 1 (M) This class will focus on fly-casting and will introduce you to the skills needed to get on the water. Participants will learn to cast, flies to use, and “read the water”. Class designed for beginners and/or fly anglers that need a refresher or want to learn more.

RIFLE SHOOTING (E) The class will start indoors with basic safe gun handling and rifle shooting fundamentals. Then the class will head to the range for hands-on shooting practice. Safety glasses, guns ammo and earplugs provided.

GPS (M) Learn the basics of using a GPS unit while having fun searching for hidden treasures known as geocaches. Participants will start by exploring how a GPS works and how to operate the device, then put their new skills to the test on one of Eagle Bluff’s outdoor courses. GPS units are valuable tools for navigating terrain, marking important waypoints including hunting or fishing spots.  

FLY TYING (E) Fly tying is an art. Learn about the equipment used to make flies used in fly-fishing and practice tying your first flies.

SHOTGUN SHOOTING (E) The class will start with basic safe gun handling and shotgun shooting fundamentals.  Then the class will head to the range for hands-on shooting practice. Safety glasses, guns ammo and earplugs will be provided.

MEDICINAL FOREST WALK (S) Discover wild edibles during a hike. Whether in your own backyard, neighborhood, or wandering the fields and woods, learning to forage and understand what to do with what you find is not only free but also fun!

CANNING AND DEHYDRATING 101: In this hands-on class you'll learn the essentials of safe, confidence building water-bath canning and dehydration using seasonal ingredients. We'll cover the full caning workflow from prep and packing to headspace, processing, colling, and proper storage, plus how to choose trusted, tested receipts and avoid common safety mistakes. You'll also learn a practical dehydration process including prepping foods for even drying, recognizing when foods are fully dried, and storage techniques. You'll leave with simple checklists, troubleshooting tips, and plenty of ideas for how to use what you preserve in everyday meals. 

HIGH ROPES COURSE (S) Try your hand at the treetops high ropes course. This course will exhilarate you and is a great personal challenge course. Bring your camera; you’ll want someone to take your picture so you can show off what you’ve been up to.

 FLY FISHING Part 2 – on stream (M) This class will focus on fly-casting and will introduce you to the skills needed to get on the water. Participants will learn to cast, flies to use, and “read the water”. Class designed for beginners and/or fly anglers that need a refresher or want to learn more.

Guns 101 with handgun shooting (M) Do you have little or no experience with guns and want to know more about them? If yes, then this class is for you! You will learn about the use, safety, and operation of different firearms. Remove the mystery by learning the terminology in a friendly environment. We'll also head outside to the range for some hand-gun shooting. 



Free Family Webinars

These webinars are part of the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series that aims to give participants quick, relevant information on upcoming seasons and events and skills to help enjoy the outdoors.

Webinars are live on Wednesday starting at noon. For more details or to view past webinars and to register for upcoming webinars visit Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series.

  • April 8 - Turkeys in Minnesota
  • April 22 - The native fish of Minnesota
  • May 6 - Minnesota fishing opener

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program (BOW)

The BOW program provides hunting, fishing, and non-consumptive outdoor skills classes to women in a safe and supportive environment. BOW works cooperatively with DNR staff, volunteers, and outside agencies to provide opportunities for women to learn skills. BOW is guided by a volunteer steering committee. To find out more, visit the BOW Website.

Do you want to stay informed about upcoming fisheries, wildlife and habitat management activities and ways that you can discover, explore, and experience Minnesota’s outdoors? Then sign up for Minnesota Fishing and Minnesota Wildlife email notifications available for free on the DNR website. Updates are also available for state parks, scientific and natural areas, the Eagle Cam, and more.

Visit the DNR's Learn to Hunt and Learn to Fish web pages to learn how to hunt or fish a variety of species.